Self-proclaimed “thrift store addict” Helen Dodge uses her forays into thrift shops as a form of entertainment, but also to augment her artistic lifestyle. Her home is tastefully accessorized with colorfully decorated pottery from around the world. She is drawn to bold designs in bright colors such as that found on Italian and Portuguese vases […]
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Posted inGarden
Lisa’s Leaves — An Enchanting Destination
Sitting serenely at the top of a hill with a peek-a-boo view of Sinclair Inlet is the home and business of Lisa and Dave Connelly. Towering trees border the open spaces of the 8-acre property that showcases the picture-book home, orchard, garden, flower beds, greenhouses, trout pond and chicken coop. A journey up the winding […]
Posted inHome
Small Space, Big Design
Kevin Ryan is a problem solver, which is a very good thing to be when building a new home. Being Ryan’s first time out with the intricacies of permitting, building and achieving the desired look with the correct materials in the available space, this was a deep-end-of-the-pool experience. Fortunately, Ryan — an engineer — enjoys […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Tips for Solo Traveling
Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience. Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Sourdough Willy’s — an Elevated Pizza Experience
Seldom does one have the opportunity to be invited into the spotlessly clean dining room of a master pizzaiolo champion, but Kitsap residents are the lucky ones. Sitting next to the Kingston Ferry toll booth is Sourdough Willy’s pizza house par excellence. Owner Will Grant has travelled the world and honed his culinary skills since […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Dinner Plate
How does that go, “Best laid plans…” Contemporary thrifting had reached a wrong turn, the unexpected dilemma. One would think, a dinner plate — piece of cake, so to speak. It started one day at the Goodwill in East Bremerton. Down one side of a long isle were shelves of dinner plates, floor to ceiling, […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Financial Tips for Newlyweds
February is the month of love and one of the most popular times of year for couples to get engaged. According to a recent study, 36% of respondents said Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day to propose. If you’re about to get married or just walked down the aisle, here are five things to […]
Posted inGarden
Campanula Bellflower
Campanulas are my new favorite plant. There are about 500 varieties — encompassed trailers, creeping or tufted miniatures and erect kinds 1 to 6 feet. Most are perennials; some are biennials or annuals. Flowers are usually bell-shaped, though some are star-shaped, cupped or round and flat. They bloom from spring to fall, depending on the […]
Posted inAt Home
Stay Safe as You Get Back Outside to Work on Your Lawn and Backyard
Spring is coming, and as we get out our lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment from storage to work in our yards, businesses and other green spaces, it’s important to put safe practices in place. “Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade […]